Hey Maverick Fam! 

I know that most of you are veterans out there in the tattoo community, but wanted to make sure we providing content that is all encompassing in the tattooing world.

 Disposing of your contaminated products is important, especially in a clean, sterile, and secure way. Cartridge needles for example, should always be disposed of using a sharps container. I know there are new products coming out from some amazing tattooer supported companies that will be more function friendly than the traditional red container. Keep your eyes out! We are also working on some designs! 

Here are some proper procedures for the disposal of sharps containers to ensure the safe and responsible management of used needles and other sharps. Checkout the typical process below for disposing of a sharps container:

1. Secure and Seal the Container: When your sharps container reaches the full line, make sure to seal it up tight! It should be closed tightly and not easy to open- safety first! 

2. Label the Container: Don't forget to slap a label on that sharps container! Stick on a "Biohazard" tag or whatever warning symbols fit the bill. Labels make sure it's handled safely when it's time to store it for proper pickup.

3. Follow Local Regulations: Check with your local health department or relevant regulatory agency for specific guidelines and regulations regarding sharps disposal. Guidelines and rules can differ depending on where you are, so it's crucial to play by the local book and follow their requirements. Better safe than sorry!

4. Contact a Medical Waste Disposal Service:  Professional Tattoo artists, don't just toss full sharps containers into the regular trash – that's a no-go! Reach out to a licensed medical waste disposal service or a biomedical waste disposal company. These folks are pros at handling and getting rid of medical and biohazardous waste in a way that's safe and meets all the regulations. Keep it clean and proper!

5. Arrange for Pickup/Drop-Off: Coordinate with the medical waste disposal service to schedule either pickup or drop-off of the full sharps container. The disposal company will transport the container to a facility specificly designed for the safe disposal of medical waste.

6. Keep Records: Maintain records of your sharps disposal, including the dates when containers were filled and disposed of, as well as any relevant documentation required by your local health department or regulatory authority.

It’s essential to handle and dispose of sharps containers responsibly to prevent the risk of injuries and the potential spread of infections. Tattoo artists must be aware of and adhere to local regulations regarding medical waste disposal to ensure the safety of themselves, their clients, and the environment.

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